THIS year is set to be a momentous one for the Scottish independence movement.

As the vaccine roll-out progresses, the country is hopefully making its first tentative steps out of the pandemic, with the Scottish Parliament elections on the horizon and support for independence at a historic peak.

Whether virtually or physically, Yes groups have stepped up to the plate over the past 12 months.

Now they’re determined to kick on even further as the country heads towards independence.

We spoke to three of Scotland’s top Yes groups to see what they have planned for 2021.

All Under One Banner

The Yes movement’s recent history has been illustrated by images of the spectacular marches and rallies organised by All Under One Banner (AUOB).

Last year was set to be the biggest yet for the group, with huge events planned across Scotland. The pandemic of course put a stop to most of that.

The National:

READ MORE: New Survation poll is NINETEENTH to show Scots want independence

But with a vaccine roll-out under way, AUOB leaders have ambitious plans for 2021.

The schedule of cancelled events for 2020 has effectively been shifted back to 2021, with a succession of events planned – starting in Arbroath (April 4), then Glasgow and finishing in Edinburgh in October.

The National:

AUOB will also continue its programme of online events, with independence supporters invited to join Zoom discussions and panel events.

Andrew Wilson, the organisation’s co-founder, expects the online events to continue on a roughly fortnightly basis, but says he hopes to see marchers back on the streets soon.

The local licencing board has given the green light for the Arbroath march, with conditions attached to ensure the event complies with coronavirus restrictions.

Looking forward to the inaugural AUOB event of 2021, Wilson told The National: “We anticipate that in the event that the vaccination programme is proceeding, and that the law allows it, a huge event this year because there’s no question there’s a huge amount of pent up demand among supporters of independence and they want to get back on the streets.”

The National:

The AUOB chief reiterated that safety was the first priority: “We pay close attention to what the First Minister says and what the advice is. We keep in close communication with Police Scotland and other. We tailor very carefully our activities to be the best thing in the circumstance.”

He added: “We’ll continue to do what is possible in the circumstances. We’ll continue to give the independence movement a platform. We’ll continue, if we can, to generate the great images which travel so well around the world and communicate our message and the message of the people of Scotland so effectively.

“That approach is going to continue for 2021 until we get clear of this virus.”

Progress Scotland

Pro-independence think tank Progress Scotland is stepping up its polling and research work in 2021, with a particular focus on open-minded and undecided voters.

The body, established by former depute SNP leader Angus Robertson and advised by polling expert Mark Diffley, has managed to establish a substantial research pool of key voters who reflect the fifth of voters who say they can be persuaded to back independence.

Since it was established in 2019, with the support of subscribers who help fund the research, Progress Scotland has also been collecting testimonial information from people who have moved from No to Yes to better understand what led them to change their minds.

Progress Scotland says these key switchers are a hugely powerful resource to help those yet make up their minds.

From No to Yes: Tell us why you want Scotland to be independent

The National: Progress Scotland chief Angus RobertsonProgress Scotland chief Angus Robertson (Image: Colin Mearns)

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Speaking to The National, Robertson said: “Progress Scotland has reached a key stage with its research into open-minded and undecided voters on Scottish independence.

“We now have a very substantial and unique research-pool which allows us to better understand the key swing voters who will help decide the result of the next independence referendum.

“As a result we are planning undertake new rounds of targeted polling, focus group work and outreach projects to help provide the key intelligence and insight that will help the growing majority momentum in favour of Scottish independence.”

Believe in Scotland

Believe in Scotland was recently named Independence Campaigning Group of the Year by the Scottish Independence Foundation (SIF) and The National in the inaugural Independence Awards.

Launched last year by Business for Scotland to support grassroots Yes groups with campaign materials, the organisation is hoping to make an ever bigger splash in 2021.

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The group won a £1000 grant from SIF, which will add to funds raised from its first major event of the year – a Burns Supper on Saturday. Believe in Scotland will use the cash to pay for a series of billboards around Scotland in partnership with local Yes groups.

Speaking to The National, Business for Scotland chief executive Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp set out Believe in Scotland’s priorities for 2021.

The National: Believe in Scotland chief Gordon MacIntyre-KempBelieve in Scotland chief Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp

  • To provide a free campaigning and fundraising pack based on our Economic, Brexit and Scotland’s right to choose campaigns, for every local Yes group in Scotland (130 plus).
  • To commission a Scotland-wide mega poll (with regional quotas) to identify where we need to target our message and what those messages should be for each target area.
  • Hiring a new campaign co-ordinator to run our online campaigns and liaise with Yes groups and a new head of content to increase the quality of our article and boost our news and debunking outputs.
  • Facebook adverts to encourage people to pledge their support for independence and get on board with our campaign and then to target undecided voters with a targeting algorithm based on the results of the mega-poll.
  • A Scotland the Brief update and PDF version for members and supporters to share with undecided friends and relatives.
  • Regular billboards throughout Scotland helping to support Scotland’s right to choose, to understand that Westminster has left us and to Believe in Scotland.
  • And a major online rally for independence supporters as suggested by our Yes Group organisers conference in September last year.